When deciding between two otherwise similar candidates, employers tend to select the person who demonstrates the strongest soft - not technical- skills. Soft skills, such as being able to write and speak clearly or effectively collaborating and problem solving, are crucial to finding employment and meeting labor market needs. Though necessary for professional success, most university classes in Morocco do not incorporate soft skills into their curricula.

To this end, USAID Career Center has teamed up with the private sector to develop "Najahi – Prêt pour l’Emploi" (literally, “My Success – Ready for Employment), a catalog of 24 training modules with two distinct sections: a first section including basic modules that facilitate learning of soft skills essentials and basic job search skills (self-diagnostic skills, written and oral communication, resumé and cover letter writing, and job interview preparation); and the second section comprising supplementary modules for those who wish to go even further and acquire skills more specific to certain professions (customer relationship management, business integration, and problem solving). In order to build these special skills, the modules focus on hands-on practice and collaborative work in small groups rather than relying on classical teaching formats that focus more on the theory than the real-life application.

USAID Career Center has started integrating the Najahi soft skills training modules into the curricula of its partner universities and training institutes. To date, 23 vocational training instructors from all over Morocco and 82 professors and doctoral students from Abdelmalek Essaadi University in Tangier have been trained in teaching soft skills, and a total of six courses on the basic modules of the Najahi training program have been given.

Students from Abdelmalek Essaadi University and trainees from vocational training centers throughout Morocco will be able to benefit from these trainings starting in January / February 2018.  In the coming year, USAID Career Center is planning to make significant efforts to provide these trainings to all USAID Career Center’s partner institutions.

For more information:

USAID Career Center Fact Sheet 

www.careercenter.ma